Closing Celebrations & Science Investigation Presentations for Olympic Alcoa Session Two
Last Thursday evening, Scholars had the opportunity to showcase their environmental curiosity, insight and knowledge as part of the program’s closing celebrations. Held in the NatureBridge Storm King Hall Classroom, Scholars took turns sharing the results of their backcountry findings in a short presentation. The Science Night was the culmination of two weeks of research, design and implementation of Scholars’ science investigations.
The Scholars presented their science projects in four research groups. Groups designed projects that examined if elevation affects the dissolved oxygen found in water, questioned if elevation affected the pH of water, investigated the relationship between tree species and the pH of the surrounding soil and considered the relationship between water pH and macroinvertebrate type. Scholars acknowledged the challenges of conducting field science in a wilderness setting, questioned the impact that climate change would have (and has already had) on their findings and described the additional research they would like to do on their topics.
The Science Night had an especially impressive audience on Thursday, with attendees strongly representing the realms of field science and wilderness management. In attendance was new NatureBridge board member and wildlife biologist for the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe Kim Sager-Fradkin; National Park Service coastal ecologist/limnologist Steve Fradkin; National Park Service Wilderness Youth Coordinator Nicole Kennedy; former NatureBridge Board Member Marie Marrs and freshwater ecologist Caroline Walls. The night was also attended virtually by NatureBridge Board Member and geologist for Geosyntec Consultants Dottie Metcalf-Lindenburger. We were fortunate to be joined by these audience members, as they represent different pathways in environmental science and field work careers. Scholars made the most of this opportunity, taking the time to talk with the scientists about their professional journeys.
On top of the new experiences and all that the Scholars were learning in the backcountry, it was quite impressive to witness the science research and investigating they had accomplished while out on the trail. For many Scholars, this trip was the first time hiking, backpacking or sleeping under the stars. Yet they still focused on finding methods for mitigating the impacts of climate change, better understanding the region’s unique biodiversity and becoming environmental leaders.
At the close of the presentations, the Scholars gathered one final time to celebrate and reflect through a final campfire along the shores of Lake Crescent.
Upon their return home, Scholars will share their experiences with their communities and hometowns through post-trip projects—ranging from blogs and essays, to presentations and videos. You can explore the Olympic journey of these Alcoa Scholars through all of our Facebook photo albums!
Stories
2024 Student of the Year: Kai Diaz
At NatureBridge, we celebrate the stewards of today and foster the development of the stewards of tomorrow, working to inspire environmental stewardship in all our participants. Our goal is to motivate our students to make waves and be changemakers in their communities and for our planet.
Each year, NatureBridge honors a student who has demonstrated leadership, growth and a commitment to protecting our natural world as a result of their participation in a NatureBridge program. This year’s honoree will be recognized and will speak at An Evening Outside with NatureBridge on Thursday, May 16 at our Golden Gate campus.
We are thrilled to announce our 2024 Student of the Year: Kai Diaz.
An Interview with Evening Outside Keynote Speaker Dr. Britt Wray
The minute we found out about the work of Dr. Britt Wray, we knew we wanted to learn more about her. A well-respected author and scientist, Dr. Wray possesses expertise in an area of research we talk about a lot at NatureBridge—specifically how we can be resilient, hopeful, and actionable amid a changing world, including the climate crisis. We’re thrilled that Dr. Wray will be joining us on May 16 for An Evening Outside with NatureBridge as our Featured Speaker. Ahead of the event, we had the chance to ask her a few questions relating to her work and her connection to the mission of NatureBridge.
Staff Spotlight: Appreciation for Miho Aida
Miho Aida (she/they) has held multiple roles at NatureBridge over the past twenty-four years, including Environmental Science Educator, Community Connection Coordinator, Field Staff Scientist, Marine Project Coordinator, Pacific Rim Environmental Education Specialist, Armstrong Scholars Educator, Diversity Coordinator, Equity and Inclusion Manager, and Director of Equity and Inclusion. Now, on the eve of Miho's departure, we asked them to reflect on their time at NatureBridge and share a bit about their upcoming adventures.